Base for support of a removable post

ABSTRACT

A base for supporting a removable sign post on a surface utilizes a clamp, housed within a tubular housing, to grip and engage the post in a gripping position. The clamp has a clamp element that is flexibly displaceable to grip the post or alternatively has more than one discrete clamp element, each of which is actuable relative to the housing. Actuators, such as setscrews or bolts, are advanced through the housing into engagement with a corresponding clamp element to cause the clamp to grip the post. The actuators are retractable from the housing to cause the clamp to release from the post in a released position to enable removal of the post or insertion of the post into the base.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefits under 35 U.S.0 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/584,410, filed Jan. 9, 2012, the entirety of which is incorporated fully herein by reference.

FIELD

The provided embodiments relate generally to apparatus for supporting an elongate member, such as a sign post, and, more particularly, for releaseably, yet securely, clamping a post or other member within a support base.

BACKGROUND

Many municipalities support sign posts on a baseplate anchored to sidewalks, curbs and roadways. Roadside signposts are often damaged by vehicles thereby requiring periodic repair or replacement. Further, means used to secure the posts can result in damage to the post, causing it to loosen from the base over time.

One prior art system for a typical tubular sign post includes a post-receiving socket supported on a baseplate. Typically two setscrews are provided about the perimeter of the socket, the setscrews being actuable axially inwardly for engaging the post therein, when tightened. The sign post itself is a tubular aluminum post having a groove positioned thereabout to introduce a weakness in the post just above the socket. When a vehicle impacts the post, the post breaks cleanly at the groove. The broken portion or stub remaining in the socket is removed therefrom. The cleanly broken end of the remainder of the post is generally suitable for re-insertion into the socket, the post albeit being a few inches shorter.

Even when not involved in an accident, a post-to-socket interface can loosen over time. The setscrews impose high point loading on the tubular post, causing plastic deformation and material creep under sustained load of the setscrews which is heightened by repeated resistance to loads, such as wind. Over time, the post becomes loose within the socket and may tilt or fall over, causing a safety hazard and rendering the sign less effective or potentially ineffective. Service crews are required to occasionally attend and tighten each post. Servicing thousands of sign posts is expensive.

There is a need for a simple, inexpensive base which minimizes the need for repeated attention over a normal service life.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments described herein relate to a system for supporting a post, such as for a sign or a fence, through the use of a tubular housing, a clamp having at least one clamp element and actuator for securing the post within the tubular housing.

As a result of the embodiments shown herein, unlike the prior art, a gripping force is applied and distributed about the post for minimizing plastic deformation or wear due to movement of the post. Thus the posts can be made from low tensile materials or even non ductile materials such as fiberglass, composites and polymers. Further, the gripping force can be released for releasing the post.

In a broad concept, a base for releasably supporting a post from a surface comprises a tubular housing securable to the surface and has a perimeter wall forming a bore for receiving the post. A clamp element, located in an annular portion of the bore adjacent the perimeter wall, is actuable radially into the bore in a gripping position and releasable therefrom to a released position. At least one actuator is actuable between the housing and the clamp element, wherein when the at least one actuator engages the clamp element, the clamp element engages the post and the post is driven laterally towards an opposing wall of the housing for gripping the post therebetween in the gripping position. When the at least one actuator and the clamp element are released from the post in the released position, the post is released from the housing.

In another broad concept, a method for releasably supporting a post from a supporting surface comprises supporting a housing from the supporting surface, and locating one or more clamping elements within the housing for forming a post-receiving bore therein. The clamping elements reside in an annulus between the bore and the housing. The clamping elements are initially actuated to a released position for receiving a post. One or more of the clamping elements are actuated from the housing to engage the post in a gripping position. For post removal, the one or more clamping elements are actuated to the released position for releasing the post.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art apparatus used for supporting a post;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a system for releasably supporting a post comprising one or more clamp elements positioned within a housing connected to a supporting structure or baseplate and actuators for actuating the clamp elements for releasably gripping the post;

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of the system according to FIG. 2, the post removed for clarity;

FIG. 3B is a right side perspective view of the system according to FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a plan view of the system according to FIG. 2, the clamp being in a relaxed position, the post being removable therefrom;

FIG. 4B is a plan view of the system according to FIG. 2, the clamp being in a gripping position for gripping the post therein;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an embodiment of the system having a single actuator for actuating one clamp element, the housing being supported on a baseplate being shown in part;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are plan views of the system according to FIG. 2, further comprising means for preventing at least the clamping elements from rotating within the housing; more particularly,

-   -   FIG. 6A illustrates a weld between the housing and the clamp         element for preventing rotation of at least the clamp and the         post gripped therein, and     -   FIG. 6B illustrates two embodiments implementing one or more         locking setscrews, in one instance projecting through at least         the housing, the split sleeve and the post or, in another         instance as shown in dotted lines, through the housing between         clamp elements;

FIG. 7A is a plan view of an embodiment of the system using discrete clamp elements for supporting the post when the post has a rectangular cross-sectional profile;

FIG. 7B is a plan view of an embodiment of the system using discrete clamp elements for supporting a circular cross-sectional profile; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the system wherein a portion of the housing is embedded in a supporting surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Prior Art

As shown in FIG. 1, a prior art apparatus 10 for supporting an elongate member or post 12, such as a sign post, comprises a tubular housing 14 secured to a baseplate 16. A base end 18 of the post 12 is inserted into the tubular housing or socket 14. Fasteners 20, such as setscrews or bolts, extend through the socket 14 to directly engage the post 12 therein for securing the post 12 within the housing 14. The baseplate 16 is secured to any suitable supporting surface S, including, but not limited to an environmental element such as the ground, pavement, cement or the like, or to structures, such as walls or floors.

Clamp Elements

Having reference to FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B, in embodiments of a releasable post system 30, disclosed herein, the post 12, which can be a sign post, flag post, fence post, a spindle and the like, is releaseably and securely supported by the system 30 while minimizing damage to the post 12.

Embodiments of the system 30 comprise at least a tubular housing 14 which has a perimeter wall 32. The housing 14 forms an internal, post-receiving bore 34 for receiving the base end 18 of the post 12 therein. The system 30 further comprises one or more clamp elements 36 positioned in an annular portion 38 between the post-receiving bore 34, the annular portion adjacent the perimeter wall 32 and ultimately being formed between the post 12 in the bore 34 and the perimeter wall 32. A clamp is formed by actuating clamp elements 36, located within the housing 14, between a gripping position for gripping the post 12 therein and a released position for releasing the post 12 therefrom.

As shown in FIG. 4A at least one actuator 40 is operable between at least one clamp element 36 and the housing 14. In the released position, the at least one actuator 40 is releasable from the clamp element 36 to relax the effective diameter of the bore 34 to receive or release the post 12 from the housing 14.

As shown in FIG. 4B, in the gripping position, at least one actuator 40 is operable for engaging the clamp element 36, which engages the post 12 and drives the post 12 laterally toward an opposing side of the perimeter wall 32 for gripping the post 12 therebetween. The post 12 may be sandwiched between the actuated clamp element 36 and the housing 14 or between the clamp element 36 and another opposing clamp element or portion thereof.

In an embodiment, actuators 40 are threaded fasteners such as setscrews, bolts or the like, which are advanced through the housing 14 for engaging the clamp element 36 in the gripping position.

Turning again to FIG. 4B, when actuated to the gripping position, the clamp element 36 engages a distributed portion of a perimeter, circumference or a gripped surface of the post 12 providing a secure, distributed grip thereabout, minimizing point loading thereon. In the gripping position, load is transferred from an actuated clamp element 36, to the post 12 and from the post 12 to either a generally opposing clamp element 36 and to the housing 14 or directly to the housing 14.

The post 12 is supported from the housing 14 to the supporting surface S (discussed below for in FIG. 8) or alternatively to the supporting surface S through an intermediate structure, such as the baseplate 16 (FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B). As a result of the intermediary clamp elements 36, the post 12 is not damaged or otherwise overloaded and will not loosen over time.

Materials for manufacture of the housing 14 can be different than the materials for manufacture of the one or more clamp elements 36. For example, the housing 14 could be of a robust steel construction which is readily tapped or fit to permit advancement of the actuators 40 therethrough. The clamp element 36 could be of a lighter, or otherwise less capable material, such as the same material as the post 12, or another complementary material which permits flexible actuation and distribution of the gripping load onto the post 12. Posts 12 are typically aluminum and the clamp element 36 could be similarly specified.

The clamp elements 36 further comprise one or more elements 36 which have an inner surface 44 which corresponds to a gripped surface 46 of the post 12. The one or more elements 36 reside within the annular portion 38 of the housing's internal bore 34. The one or more elements 36 can be integrated into a single element, such as shown in FIGS. 2 through 6B, or can be discrete elements, such as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

The clamp element 36 has an outer diametral extent generally about that of the diametral extent of the inside of the housing 14 and an inner diametral extent about that of the post 12. The term diametral extent does not limit the form or cross-section of the post 12 or clamp element 36 to being circular, only that there is a surrounding and complementary structure for clamping the post 12.

The clamping elements 36 press against the outside of the post 12, regardless of its geometric shape.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 through 6B and 7B, the post 12 is circular. The inner surface 44 of the clamp element 36 is formed with an arcuate inner surface to match the gripped surface 46 of the post 12.

Having reference to FIG. 7A, the post 12 is rectangular and the inner surfaces 44 of the elements 36 are complementary to the rectangular gripped surface 46 of the post 12. In FIG. 7B, the post 12 is circular and the inner surfaces 44 of the elements 36 are complementary to the circular gripped surface 46 of the post 12.

Accordingly, in use, a post 12 is releaseably supported from a supporting surface S by supporting a housing 14 from the supporting surface S, one or more clamping elements 36 being housed within the housing 14 and forming a post-receiving bore 34 therein, the clamping elements 36 residing in an annulus 38 between the bore 34 and the housing 14. For installing or receiving a post 12, one actuates the clamping elements 36 to a released position. For supporting the post 12, one actuates one or more of the one or more clamping elements 36 to the gripping position. Further, for removal of the post or broken end of the post 12, one actuates the one or more clamping elements 36 to the released position.

Split Sleeve

Having reference again to FIGS. 2 through 6B, in embodiments the one or more elements 36 are integrated into a single element 36, such as a generally C-shaped element or C-shaped split sleeve 48. The split sleeve 48 is installed within the housing 14, such as by compressing the split sleeve to fit the internal bore 34, or by loosely dropping the split sleeve 48 into the internal post-receiving bore 34. The C-shaped split-sleeve 48 encompasses more than one half of a circumference of the housing 14 and forms at least one flexible arm 50 forming at least one of the clamp elements 36. The at least one flexible arm 50 is driven radially inwardly into the post 12 by the one or more actuators 40 to releaseably grip the post 12 in the gripping position.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 through 4B, the C-shaped split-sleeve 48 forms two flexible arms 50,50 as two clamp elements 36,36. The two flexible arms 50,50 form nearly a complete arc, shown here at about 340 degrees, for maximizing the contact of the inner, post-engaging surface 44 with the post 12 and enabling flexing of the arms 50,50 of the arc to engage a gripped surface 46 of the post 12. Thus, the clamp element 36 provides a large engagement or contact with the post 12 for minimizing point loading thereon.

The at least one actuator 40 is two corresponding actuators 40,40 such as fasteners, typically setscrews, each of which corresponds to one of the two flexible arms 50,50. Suitable setscrews may be ½″ UNC hex head bolts. The two setscrew actuators 40,40 and two flexible arms 50,50 are located generally on one side of the housing 14, each of the setscrews 40 acting on one of the flexible arms 50, to drive the split-sleeve 48 and engaged post 12 toward the opposing side of the housing's perimeter wall 32. The housing's perimeter wall 32 acts as a robust backing structure against which the split-sleeve 48 and post 12 are supportably driven.

In this embodiment, the clamp elements 36 extend from an actuating side of the post 12 to a supported side of the post 12, a portion of the split-sleeve 48 portion of the clamp element 36 residing between the perimeter wall 32 and the post 12. Generally, a portion of the split-sleeve 48, at about a midpoint M, becomes sandwiched between the housing 14 and the post 12 in the gripping position. The split sleeve 48 has an actuation range between the perimeter wall 32 and the post 12. The range of actuation or displacement of each flexible arm 50 is generally within the arm's range of elastic flexibility. Displacement reaching plastic deformation of the flexible arms 50, 50 can occur however, such as to engage an undersized post in which case the number of cycles of use between gripping and released positions is generally reduced.

Returning to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the arms 50,50 are flexibly actuable between the released position (FIG. 4A) and the gripping position (FIG. 4B). The system 30 is actuated between the two positions by manipulating the split sleeve's arms 50,50, generally radially inwardly and outwardly, through advancing and retracting of the setscrews 40, 40 through the housing 14 into engagement and away from engagement with the flexible arms 50, 50. The actuating of the clamping elements 36 to the gripping position comprises radially advancing one or more actuators 40 from the housing 14 to reduce the effective diameter of the bore 34 for clamping the post 12 therein.

In the released position, the flexible arms 50,50 flex radially outwardly to permit release of the post 12 from the clamp element 36 or to permit insertion of the post 12 into the bore 34 within the one or more clamp elements 36. Alternatively, if the clamp element 36 happens to have a diametral extent smaller than the post diameter, the flexible arms 50, 50 can be flexibly manipulated to remove the post 12 from the clamp element 36 or to forcibly flex the arms 50,50 apart to insert the post 12 into the clamp element 36.

As shown in FIG. 4B, in the gripping position an axis X of the post 12 can be shifted somewhat in housing 14 to a position X′, due to an offset force applied by the setscrew actuators 40, 40. The inner surface 44 of the flexible arms 50, 50 are caused to engage the gripped surface 46 of the post 12, distributing the clamping or gripping forces. The surface area of the gripped surface 46 and forces applied by the flexible arms 50, 50 on the post 12 are designed to remain within an elastic range of the material of construction of the post 12, thereby minimizing creep-related loosening.

Split Sleeve—Single Actuator

Having reference to FIG. 5, the clamp element 36 can be actuated to the gripping position by a single actuator 40 which acts against only one of the flexible arms 50, 50 of the C-shaped split sleeve 48. This permits an embodiment having a minimalist construction having only arm 50 or accommodates a situation in which there is a loss or failure of the second actuator 40 which would have otherwise actuated the second flexible arm 50. In this case, the post 12 and clamp element 36 are driven laterally toward the perimeter wall 32 of the housing 14 opposing the single actuator 40.

Split Sleeve Fixed to Housing

In embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the split sleeve 48 can be secured within the housing 14, such as at the midpoint M between the flexible arms 50,50, to prevent rotation of the clamp element 36, and post 12 therein, relative to the housing 14. The split sleeve 48 is therefore housed co-axially, but not necessarily concentrically, within the housing 14. As the actuators 40 are tightened, the flexible arms 50, 50 of the split sleeve 48 grip the post 14 with a relatively even pressure thereon.

In an embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, the split sleeve 48 is secured to the housing 14 by a plug weld 60 or other welding between the housing 14 and the split sleeve 48. A port 62 is formed in the tubular housing 14 for the plug weld 60.

Alternatively, as shown in several other embodiments in FIG. 6B, the split sleeve 48 is secured to the housing 14 by a setscrew 64 or other mechanical fastener, such as a bolt or pop-rivet or the like, which passes through at least the housing 14 and the split sleeve 48. In this case, the housing 14 and clamp element 36 are tapped for passage of the setscrew 62. The setscrew 64 may also be advanced into the post 12. Typically, a port is drilled into the post 14 once installed in the clamp element 36, such as through an existing port in the housing 14 and the clamp element 36. In this case, a longer securing setscrew 64 is used. Alternately, a bolt (not shown) can extend through the housing, the sleeve 48 and the clamped post 12.

Split Sleeve Locked

In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 6B in dotted lines, where the split sleeve 48 is not secured to the tubular housing 14, a guidance or locking setscrew 66 ensures non-rotation of the split sleeve 48 for ensuring alignment of the flexible arms 50, 50 with the one or more actuators 40. The locking setscrew 66 is advanced through the housing 14 so as to protrude between ends 68, 68 of the flexible arms 50,50 and acts thereat as a stop to prevent rotation of the clamp element 36 relative to the housing 14.

Discrete Clamp Elements

Having reference again to FIGS. 7A and 7B, in another embodiment, the clamp elements 36 are discrete elements. The inner surface 44 of the elements 36 is shaped to correspond to the gripped surface 46 of the post 12. An outer surface 70 is shaped to correspond to the perimeter wall 32 of the housing 14. The elements 36 “float” within the annular portion 38 of the internal bore 34. At least one of the elements 36 is actuated by the one or more actuators 40 to engage the post 12 to drive the elements 36 and the post 12, clamped therebetween, toward the opposing side of the perimeter wall 32 of the housing 14, in the gripping position.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the elements 36 can be generally chord-shaped with a portion removed corresponding to the gripping surface of the post.

As one of skill in the art will appreciate while FIG. 7A illustrates both discrete elements 36, and a rectangular post 12 the discrete elements 36 having corresponding inner surfaces 44, the discrete elements 36 are applicable to posts 12 of any shape, including circular posts 12 (see FIG. 7B).

In embodiments disclosed herein, the post 12 need not be hollow or tubular, merely elongate and having the base end 18 which is compatible or has a complementary cross-section to that of the clamp element 36; for example circular-to-circular (FIG. 7B), polygonal-to-polygonal and as a subset of polygonal as above, rectangular-to-rectangular (FIG. 7A).

Baseplate or Embedded

In embodiments shown in FIGS. 2, 3A,3B, and 5, the housing 14 is secured to the baseplate 16 for anchoring to the surface S.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, a portion the base 30 can be embedded in the surface S for maintaining the post 12 in the proper orientation. In the embodiment shown, the tubular housing 14 is elongate and a lower portion 72 of the housing 14 is embedded in the surface S, such as in soil, cement, asphalt or the like. The tubular housing 14 has a length suitable for the extent of support required. The length of the housing 14 and the supporting characteristics of the surface S are complementary. For example, a soft soil surface requires a longer tubular housing member 14 than for concrete. 

The embodiments of the invention for which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A base for releasably supporting a post from a supporting surface comprising: a tubular housing securable to the surface and having a perimeter wall forming a bore for receiving the post; a clamp element located in an annular portion of the bore adjacent the perimeter wall, the clamp element actuable radially into the bore in a gripping position and releasable to a released position; and at least one actuator located between the housing and the clamp element, wherein when the at least one actuator engages the clamp element, the clamp element engages the post and the post is driven laterally towards an opposing wall of the housing for gripping the post therebetween; and when the at least one actuator is released from the clamp element, the post is released from the housing.
 2. The base of claim 1 wherein the clamp element further comprises: one or more clamp elements having an inner surface corresponding to a gripped surface of post, the clamp elements residing within the annular portion of the bore.
 3. The base of claim 2 wherein the at least one actuator further comprises: one or more fasteners extending radially through the housing for engaging the one or more elements, the fasteners actuable to drive the elements into the post.
 4. The base of claim 1 wherein, the clamp element further comprises: a generally C-shaped element encompassing more than one half a circumference of the housing, the C-shaped element forming at least one flexible arm, and wherein each of the at least one actuator engages the at least one flexible arm for driving the flexible arm into the post.
 5. The base of claim 4 wherein the post is circular and the C-shaped element further comprises an arcuate inner surface corresponding to the circular post.
 6. The base of claim 4 wherein: the C-shaped element further comprises a midpoint forming two flexible arms extending circumferentially therefrom, and the at least one actuator comprises two actuators, each actuator releasably engaging each flexible arm.
 7. The base of claim 6 wherein the midpoint is secured to the housing to align each arm with each actuator.
 8. The base of claim 1 wherein the clamp element is formed of a material resistant to deformation from engagement with the at least one actuator.
 9. The base of claim 1 wherein the housing may be affixed to a baseplate for mounting the system to the supporting surface.
 10. The base of claim 1 wherein the housing is embedded in the supporting surface.
 11. The base of claim 1 wherein the at least one actuator is a setscrew.
 12. A method for releasably supporting a post from a supporting surface comprising: supporting a housing from the supporting surface, one or more clamping elements within the housing and forming a post-receiving bore therein, the clamping elements residing in an annulus between the post-receiving bore and the housing; actuating the clamping elements to a released position for receiving a post; actuating one or more of the one or more clamping elements to a gripping position for gripping the post; and for post removal, actuating the one or more clamping elements to the released position for releasing the post.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein the actuating of the clamping elements to the gripping position comprises radially advancing one or more actuators from the housing to reduce the effective diameter of the bore for clamping the post therein.
 14. The method of claim 12 wherein the actuating of the clamping elements to the gripping position comprises radially advancing one or more actuators from the housing reduce the effective diameter of the bore for clamping the post between the one or more clamping elements and the housing.
 15. A post and base for releasably supporting the post from a supporting surface comprising: a post having a base end; a housing supported by the supporting surface and having a perimeter wall and a post-receiving bore for receiving the base end of the post; a clamp located in an annulus between the bore and the housing, the clamp actuable radially between a released and a gripping position; and at least one actuator located between the housing and the clamp, wherein in the gripping position, when the at least one actuator engages the clamp, the clamp engages the base end of the post, and the base end is driven laterally towards an opposing wall of the housing, gripping the base end, and in the released position, when the at least one actuator is released from the clamp, the clamp releases from the base end of the post permitting the base end to be released from the housing. 